Your Place to Dream Blog

The holiday spirit is alive and well on the Central Coast! If you're dreaming of a winter getaway in California, make sure to visit Cambria—a charming coastal town brimming with boutique shops (no chains here!), serene beaches, historic landmarks, and plenty of wide-open spaces. Oh, and don’t forget to indulge in the famous pies at Linn’s! Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or longer, Cambria offers the perfect mix of relaxation and festive fun. Here are a few of our favorite activities to enjoy this winter:

Halloween is just around the corner and we’re bringing the spooky to you! Rumor has it our Central Coast California property, The Monterey Hotel, is haunted and we’re here to give you the story behind it all. Prepare for some downright spine-chilling stories!

Bringing Fido (or your fabulous feline) along for your Central Coast adventure? We've got the perfect itinerary for you! From pet-friendly lodging and dining to stunning sights, your furry companion is welcome every step of the way. Explore these top pet-approved spots in Cambria, California, including the Sea Otter Inn, where dogs are welcome in five designated pet-friendly rooms, and Cambria Pines Lodge, which offers pet-friendly rooms, suites, and an on-site dog park, ensuring your pets are treated like family during your stay!

When it comes to creating cherished family memories, the right destination can make all the difference. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Central Coast, Cambria Pines Lodge stands out as an idyllic retreat that offers not just breathtaking natural beauty, but also a range of family-friendly amenities that make it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages.

Moonstone Hotel Properties is not only known for its charming boutique hotels, but also for its world-class Christmas Markets! While the summer sun shines brightly, it’s never too early to start thinking about the magic of the holiday season. Take a break from your summer festivities and celebrate Christmas in July - the perfect opportunity to start planning your magical visit to the Silverton Christmas Market (Oregon Garden Resort) or Cambria Christmas Market (Cambria Pines Lodge).

There is just something so awe-inspiring and magical when it comes to waterfalls. Lucky for us, Oregon offers so many amazing trails that lead up to these worldly wonders and our property, the Oregon Garden Resort, is nearby some of the best waterfalls. Read on to find out the four best waterfalls near Silverton, Oregon to get your fix.

Are you ready to embark on a journey to one of California's most enchanting destinations? Welcome to Monterey, where breathtaking coastal scenery, charming historic districts, and a vibrant cultural scene await you.

The Silverton Christmas Market is thrilled to announce its latest accolade: winning the prestigious Oregon Festival and Events Association’s 2023 Festival of the Year Ovation! Award. 

Host your next meeting or special gathering at Cambria Pines Lodge, where enchanting surroundings, exceptional amenities, and an array of activities await to make your gathering truly memorable.

Are you searching for the perfect venue to host your next meeting or private event? Look no further than the picturesque Oregon Garden Resort nestled in the heart of Silverton. Offering a unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and versatile event spaces, the Resort provides an ideal setting for gatherings of all sizes and occasions

A new year calls for new adventures! This year, plan a getaway to our cute and historic small town and visit during one of these exciting local events:

Escape the chaos of modern life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Cambria, California, this February – the ultimate destination for a romantic weekend retreat! Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or simply looking to reconnect with your partner, Cambria offers a serene setting for love to flourish.

Monterey is a beautiful coastal town located on California’s Central Coast. Known for its stunning natural beauty, great food, and rich history, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. The Monterey Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Monterey and allows you to easily explore exciting local attractions. From a relaxing stroll on the beach to a hike with a stunning view of the Pacific coastline, Monterey is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Did you know that our Christmas Markets are inspired by those held in Germany each winter? Our company has strong German ties and a passion for Christmas, and our Christmas Markets are the perfect way to share those traditions and holiday cheer with you! We hope you enjoy yourselves, make memories and start a new Christmas tradition with us. At the Oregon Garden Resort, you’ll be immersed in the holiday spirit and more than a million lights at the Silverton Christmas Market. And at Cambria Pines Lodge, you’ll enter a winter wonderland featuring two million lights and a world-class market at Cambria Christmas Market. 

Is an end-of-summer family road trip on your list? Head to the Central California Coast for a fun-packed family adventure. Check out these must-stop destinations along the Coast for an unforgettable trip the whole family will enjoy, all while being cost-effective.

Calling all wine lovers! In need of a vacation complete with delicious wines? Well, look no further because Oregon has no shortage of world-class wineries to visit. Plan a getaway this summer to the Willamette Valley in Oregon and enjoy exclusive deals to local wineries when you stay at our property, the Oregon Garden Resort.

As you explore the wonders of Cambria, we encourage you to embark on a culinary adventure, discovering the flavors and charm of local restaurants. Join us as we showcase some of our favorite dining establishments, all within a stone's throw from Cambria Pines Lodge, Sea Otter Inn and the J. Patrick House & Inn.

In a world dominated by big cities and bustling metropolises, there's a certain charm in discovering hidden gems tucked away in small towns. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Silverton offers a delightful surprise for food enthusiasts seeking a memorable getaway.

Monterey County is the best destination for those who love the outdoors! From biking to hiking and more, there’s plenty to do outdoors in Monterey. Check out some of our favorite outdoor activities!

If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing spring getaway, Cambria Pines Lodge on the California Central Coast is an excellent choice.

Silverton, OR, located just south of Portland in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley, is an ideal getaway off the beaten path! Visitors can enjoy learning about the local history, and trying the delicious local cuisine, beer and wine while taking in the breathtaking views. Travel can cost a pretty penny, but if you do it right, you can enjoy your time in Silverton without breaking the bank.

The Silverton Christmas Market and Cambria Christmas Market have been spreading holiday cheer all season long! The fun doesn’t have to stop after December 25th, which is why the Cambria Pines Lodge and Oregon Garden Resort are continuing the festivities into the New Year. Treat yourself to a post-Christmas getaway and enjoy the peacefulness of beautiful light displays without the crowd!

This year, three of our hotels along the West Coast, the Cambria Pines Lodge,  Sea Otter Inn, and the Oregon Garden Resort, were all honored to be awarded TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award. The Travelers’ Choice Award celebrates hotels that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travelers around the globe. Winners around the world, like our hotels, earned positive traveler reviews and ratings over the past year.

Happy Earth Day! Being green is not something we focus on just for Earth Day - it’s an initiative we value all year long. At Moonstone Hotel Properties, our passions include taking care of our guests, gardening and taking care of the planet. Our properties each feature a garden theme, and most offer extensive gardens and grounds that our guests can enjoy. 

Here are a few things we do to ensure an eco-friendly experience for you while helping to preserve our planet and communities.

A visit to Cambria, California isn’t complete without sippin’ on local wines and the Central Coast has a ton of delicious vino to discover! Here is where you can find the best wine in Paso Robles and Cambria, CA: 

Your getaway to Monterey County is on the books and now is the time to start planning the best places to grab those Instagram-worthy photos! Lucky for you, the beauty of nature and vibrancy of downtown offers some of the best places to show your followers how amazing this part of the California Coast is. Here’s a list of our favorite photo opportunities in town:

February is finally upon us and there’s no better place to celebrate love than in Cambria, California! Leave behind the modern hustle and bustle for a relaxing and romantic getaway with your special someone.

As the New Year begins, it’s time to start mapping out your next getaway and we’re here to convince you why you should vacation in a small town this year! Vacationing in small towns offers one-of-a-kind experiences along with many other perks to make your trip remarkable. If you stay at one of our properties, you’ll love the small-town charm our locations have to offer and here’s why:

Now that Pantone announced the color of the year for 2022 as ‘Very Peri’ - a beautiful peaceful purple - it’s time to start brainstorming how to incorporate this stunning color into your wedding! Very Peri is such an easy addition to your color palette and here’s how this tranquil color can make your wedding more striking:

Let’s get festive this winter in Silverton! Plan a winter getaway to Oregon and make a stop in the cute and quaint town of Silverton. Just an hour south of Portland, this historic town features boutique shops, enchanting waterfall hikes, historic attractions, gorgeous gardens and we can’t forget about the delicious craft beers from Silver Falls Brewery and Ratchet Brewing! This small town makes for the perfect vacation this winter, check out some of our favorite activities to enjoy:

Okay, it isn’t a secret but at Moonstone Hotel Properties we LOVE Christmas. I mean, what’s not to love when it comes to gingerbread houses, warm cookies, time spent with family, gift wrapping, decorating... we could go on and on about all the wonderful things this time of year offers. Join us at your favorite Moonstone Hotel Property to celebrate Christmas and all the joyous holiday happenings nearby:

For years everyone has told me to visit Oregon, I finally did and I have no regrets! The state is absolutely beautiful and has so many different aspects to it.

There’s something quite romantic about winter weddings. We adore the idea of walking down the aisle with fluffy snow falling just outside the venue, how about you? Think about some of these winter wedding trends to incorporate into your wedding:

A visit to Silverton isn’t complete without eating your way through all the delicious, local cuisine our small town has to offer! Traveling with the family, your furry pal, your partner, on a low budget or just wanna grab a quick bite and beer? Here are our favorite restaurants!

Are you getting ready to hit the road for a getaway with your four-legged friend and need some advice? Don’t worry, we gotcha! As a pet-friendly company, we’ve put together a list of tips for you to keep in mind when traveling with your furry pal.

A visit to Cambria isn’t complete without eating your way through all the delicious, local cuisine our small town has to offer! Traveling with the family, your furry pal, your partner or on a low budget? Here are our favorite restaurants! 

So you aren’t much of a “plan for a vacation a year in advance” kind of person - that’s alright! There’s nothing wrong with planning a spontaneous or last-minute trip. In fact, those types of getaways end up being the most memorable! Our staff at Moonstone Hotel Properties put together some of our favorite tips and tricks to help plan your last-minute trip:

At Moonstone Hotel Properties we LOVE Christmas and each year we invite you to celebrate the magic of the holidays with our annual German Christmas Markets! At the Oregon Garden Resort, you’ll be immersed in the holiday spirit and more than a million lights at the Silverton Christmas Market. And at Cambria Pines Lodge, you’ll enter a winter wonderland featuring two million lights and a world-class market at Cambria Christmas Market. 

Calling all brew enthusiasts and wine lovers! In need of a vacation complete with tasty beers and wines? Well, look no further because The Monterey Hotel on Calle Principal is inviting you to sip and stay with their special packages. Plan a getaway this summer to Monterey and enjoy exclusive deals to Alvarado Street Brewery and Comanche Cellars when you stay downtown at The Monterey Hotel.

Monterey is one of the best places to visit on the California coast! From beautiful beaches to great shops and restaurants, there’s no shortage of things to do. We’ve put together your travel guide to ensure you have a fantastic trip!

Summer is approaching and it’s the perfect season to head to the beautiful state of Oregon! While we can’t guarantee sunshine all summer long, it’s definitely worth a trip to “The Beaver State”. Rather than spending a week in the city or at the coast, venture off the beaten path and enjoy some of our favorite uncrowded destinations.

Highway 1 is one of the most iconic stretches of road in California and we are here to help guide you along this experience! From scenic views to historic wonders, a Highway 1 road trip is an adventure of a lifetime.

Begin your journey with these best stop spots:

Say “I Do” to gorgeous views! Moonstone Hotel Properties has a variety of wedding venues in Oregon and along the California coast with fantastic garden landscapes. Our hotels are all-inclusive wedding venues complete with excellent service to make your dream wedding a reality! Here’s why you should get married at a Moonstone Hotel Property:

Being green is not something we focus on just for Earth Day - it’s an initiative we value all year long. At Moonstone Hotel Properties, our passions include taking care of our guests, gardening and taking care of the planet. Our properties each feature a garden theme, and most offer extensive gardens and grounds that our guests can enjoy.

One of our favorite amenities at Moonstone Hotel Properties is that we are pet-friendly! This week we are featuring our pet-approved property, The Monterey Hotel, located in the heart of Monterey. 

Your wedding is on the books and you’ve decided to have your furry bff there on your big day! Great news, there’s a variety of ways for your pet to be incorporated into your celebration. From making them your pet of honor and standing by your side to including them in your decorations, it’s easy to give your pal a special appearance. We’ve put together great tips and ideas for a pet-approved ceremony: 

We know wedding fees can be daunting, which is why for a limited time we are offering a Lucky in Love promotion that is valid for 50% OFF your 2021 wedding venue rental! 

Valentine’s Day is almost here! While this year may look a bit different than past years due to COVID-19, you can still celebrate romance during quarantine. Here are a few fun date ideas for a romantic evening in Silverton, Oregon:

Summertime is known as the most popular season to say “I Do,’ but here at Moonstone Hotel Properties, we think that Winter weddings have a lot going for them! While most couples choose to get married in the warmer months, a winter wedding offers plenty of promise too. Keep reading to learn about why we love winter weddings. 

September is California Wine Month! Did you know that Monterey County was named as one of 2013’s “Top Ten Wine Travel Destinations” in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine? The Monterey Hotel is near some great wineries. Here are some of our favorite wineries in Monterey County, following COVID-19 guidelines:

Oh the dreaded endless strip of I-5. Road trips can feel never-ending, but don’t worry we have you covered! Here is a list of stops you can make the next time you are headed north on I-5 in Oregon, to make your trip a little bit more bearable. 

One of our properties, the Oregon Garden Resort, is located in the beautiful Willamette Valley in the historic town of Silverton, about an hour south of Portland. Our favorite part of traveling is getting to experience local breweries, and if you’re traveling in Oregon, you’re in luck! There is no shortage of amazing craft beer in Oregon, with many of them nearby the Oregon Garden Resort. 

Here are five of our favorite local breweries:

After being cooped up inside for the last few months, we are all itching to get outside and explore. One of the most beautiful places for outdoor activities is USA Today 10 Best Coastal Small Towns nominee, Cambria, CA. From the ocean to the mountains, there is something for everyone in Cambria. Keep reading to learn about our favorite outdoor activities in Cambria.

It’s important to remember there are some great nature activities you can enjoy on the Central Coast. Lucky for us, California Highway 1 Discovery Route has put together a list of eight outdoor activities for you to discover:

There is no shortage of delicious restaurants right around the corner from The Monterey Hotel! Here are five of our favorite neighboring restaurants! 

When deciding between an indoor wedding vs outdoor, the latter takes the cake for us! We are obsessed with garden weddings and here are four reasons why:

This Spring, create a garden bed perfect for all seasons! These 5 tips from The Oregon Garden’s Operations Manager, Delen Kitchen, have you covered:

Vacations aren’t only meant for the summer! After the hectic holiday season, you deserve a fun getaway. Luckily for you, in Cambria, even winter is the perfect time to explore.

The Pacific Northwest is absolutely stunning and offers beautiful outdoor adventures for any explorer, and the state of Oregon is no exception. From cascading, lush waterfalls to sweeping beach views, Oregon’s display of nature is an adventure lover’s dream. Make your trip to Oregon one to cherish by visiting these five marvelous, must-see destinations.

Monterey, CA, located just north of Big Sur on California's beautiful Central Coast, is a world-class destination. Visitors can enjoy learning about the local history, trying the delicious local cuisine and wine and taking in the breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. Travel can cost a pretty penny, but if you do it right, you can enjoy your time in Monterey without breaking the bank. Here are our suggestions for the budget-friendly getaway to Monterey:

It’s been announced! The 2020 color of the year is Classic Blue. You may be wondering, “how am I supposed to incorporate this color into my wedding?” Florals are the way to go and we’ve got you covered! 

Check out a few ways to make Classic Blue shine bright in your upcoming wedding: